School art project unveiled in Filey to celebrate key workers

A school art project to celebrate the efforts of key workers has been unveiled on a construction site of a new Housing 21 Extra Care scheme in Filey.
The thank you art by Filey Junior School pupils.The thank you art by Filey Junior School pupils.
The thank you art by Filey Junior School pupils.

As part of its work with the community, national-contractor Tolent offered Filey Junior School the opportunity to design some artwork for its site hoardings - and the result did not disappoint.

Year six pupils have created portraits of key workers they felt they wanted to thank from their local community which included: NHS staff, construction workers, teachers, shop assistants, politicians, police and the clergy.

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Inspired by the work of artist Peter McKee, the style of the portraits aims to simplify the subject while still making them recognisable.

By doing so, it allows the viewer to bring their own experience and memories to the pictures and often relate them to somebody they know.

The students decided to add face coverings to the paintings in order to make them even more anonymous and incorporated a rainbow background rather than have the characters in a recognisable location.

Mr McCarthey, Headteacher at Filey Junior School, said: “The children begin each year by focussing on themselves, their hopes, worries and ambitions for the new academic year.

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"This was particularly important this year as many children were feeling a little nervous or had been affected in some way by Coronavirus.

“This project has allowed the children to express their thanks and gratitude to key workers across the country who they felt have kept the country moving and provided them with the care and normality they’ve need at such a crucial time.

"We’re all very proud of what they have achieved.”

With a dedicated programme to engage with local communities including working with schools, colleges and universities, Tolent hopes to enrich the areas it works in, bringing a greater social value to its developments.

David Thompson, regional director for Tolent, said: “The design of the hoardings not only creates impact through the quality of the artwork that has been created, but the purpose behind it is something that is so fitting and it was fantastic to see such a range of industries and roles covered.

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“We look forward to inviting the students to site when it’s safe to do so in the future, and continue to build on this great relationship.”

Filey Fields Court is Housing 21’s latest Extra Care development built in partnership with Scarborough Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

It will provide 70 one and two bedroom apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership.

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